TORONTO, ON — April 2025
The U.S. Consulate in Toronto has seen a notable increase in E-2 visa applications filed by Indian-born Canadian citizens in recent months, as more entrepreneurs look south for business opportunities. The E-2 visa, designed for nationals of treaty countries investing in U.S.-based enterprises, is not available to Indian citizens directly—however, Canadian passport holders qualify under the long-standing bilateral investment treaty between Canada and the United States.
This creates a significant pathway for Indian-born Canadians who have naturalized and now hold Canadian citizenship.
A Clear Legal Path via Citizenship
“India is not an E-2 treaty country,” explained Mark Lugo, an E-2 visa consultant based in North America. “But when an Indian-born individual becomes a Canadian citizen, they become eligible for this visa category through their Canadian nationality. This opens up a completely legal and strategic route to establishing a business presence in the U.S.”
The E-2 visa allows foreign investors to live and work in the U.S. by developing and directing a business in which they have invested a substantial amount of capital. While there is no set minimum investment amount, successful applicants often invest between $80,000 and $150,000 in their business venture.
Toronto Consulate: A Hub for Processing
The U.S. Consulate General in Toronto remains one of the busiest U.S. diplomatic missions in Canada. Known for its extensive experience handling investor visa applications, Toronto has become a go-to destination for Canadian citizens pursuing the E-2 route.
“Processing times are generally reasonable, and the consular staff here is familiar with reviewing these types of business plans,” Lugo added. “This familiarity helps reduce delays and increases the success rate for properly prepared cases.”
Family Inclusion and Long-Term Stability
E-2 visa holders can bring their spouse and children under 21 years of age. Spouses can apply for work authorization once in the U.S., and children may attend school without requiring additional visas. Visas issued at the Toronto consulate can be valid for up to five years, with unlimited renewals so long as the business remains operational and compliant.
Business Plans and Compliance
Applicants must submit detailed business plans, proof of investment source and use, incorporation records, and a clear roadmap of how the enterprise will generate profit and employment. The investment must not be marginal, and the applicant must have at least 50% ownership or effective operational control.
Visa experts emphasize the importance of documentation: “A strong E-2 application hinges on a clear narrative—who you are, what you’re investing in, and how this benefits the U.S. economy,” said Lugo.
A Growing Trend
From tech startups and consulting firms to franchise investments and logistics businesses, the E-2 visa is gaining traction among Indian-born Canadians eager to take advantage of U.S. market access while retaining Canadian citizenship.
With U.S.–Canada business ties remaining strong and the E-2 visa offering a renewable, non-immigrant path to the U.S., Toronto is likely to remain a hotspot for applications well into 2025.